The Kansas Highway Patrol is calling on motorists to keep safety in mind for their Christmas and New Year’s holiday trips.   The Patrol said more people will be on the road, weather conditions will affect travel, and there is the danger of impaired drivers.

The Patrol will have extra troopers on the roads over the holiday period to watch for impaired drivers, and they’ll be watching for child passenger safety and seat belt use.

The KHP has tips to remember for safe holiday travel:

• Prepare your vehicle for travel by replacing your wiper blades, ensuring your tires have good tread, and checking your vehicle’s fluids, exhaust system, and other mechanical equipment.
• Always wear your seat belt, and properly secure children in the appropriate safety seats.
• If you’re involved in a non-injury crash that involves non-hazardous materials, move your vehicle out of the lane of traffic to protect yourself and other motorists.
• Always make sure you designate a sober driver for a safe ride home from your holiday festivities. Law enforcement will be out working, and they remind you to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
• Stock your vehicle with items that would be beneficial if you become involved in a crash, such as bottled water, blankets, non-perishable food, first aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries.
• When you leave, start with a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.
• Dress for the weather. If you plan to travel in cold weather, make sure you have a coat in the vehicle and warm shoes in case you need to stop for any reason.
• Check your route of travel for road conditions and/or construction work or other delays before you leave. Call 5-1-1 from any phone or visit www.kandrive.org to check road conditions in the state of Kansas.
• As you travel, remember to MOVE OVER for first responders and highway maintenance crews. If you are unable to MOVE OVER, then please SLOW DOWN.

People who will be consuming alcohol should have a designated driver or a ride share service, and they should not drive if they have been drinking.

Drivers who need assistance will be able to call *47 (*HP), or dial *582 (*KTA) while on the Kansas Turnpike, and the KHP will send someone to help.